Canadian Military Oral Histories

User Collection Public

The Canadian Military Oral History Collection is composed of interviews of veterans of WWI, WWII, the Korean War and the War in Afghanistan. Over 370 recordings done by Dr. Reginald H. Roy and his students are the largest holding in this category. Historian Hal Lawrence also donated over 180 recordings that he collected of Canadian Naval personnel.

Collection descriptions

The following are descriptions of the major collections of interviews that make up the collection:

Reg Roy collection

Dr. Reginald H. Roy was the Chair of Military History (1968-1988) and the Social Sciences Research Centre (1970-75) at the University of Victoria. The Reg Roy fonds contains over 370 sound recordings of oral histories conducted over his career and was recognized by Lieutenant-Governor Iona Campagnolo in 2005.

Social Sciences Research Centre collection

This is an important subset of the Reg Roy collection of military oral histories and consists of extensive interviews with Major-General George R. Pearkes and other interviews with his family and a number of personal and professional associates for his biography entitled For Most Conspicuous Bravery: A Biography of Major-General George R. Pearkes, V.C., Through Two World Wars (1977).

Hal Lawrence collection

This collection includes approximately 120 interviews conducted by Commander Hal Lawrence in collaboration with National Defence/Défense nationale on the Canadian Navy (1940-1995). Some of these interviews have been transcribed and some are only available as transcripts.

Shawn Cafferky collection

This collection of 14 interviews by military historian Dr. Shawn Cafferky of the University of Victoria's Department of History were conducted in 1997 and refer to the experimental Squadron VX-10, and the testing and use of the Sikorsky CH-124 Sea King helicopter.

Military oral history class interviews

Since 2005, the History Department has offered a Military Oral History seminar course as a component of the Canadian Veterans Oral History Project, a joint project of the Royal United Services Institute of Vancouver Island (RUSI VI) and University of Victoria. The seminar course offers students the opportunity to interview veterans for course credit and the resulting interviews are deposited with University of Victoria Special Collections.

Elizabeth Hazlitte collection

This collection is comprised of six interviews with veterans of WWI conducted from 1983-84 by Elizabeth Hazlitte, a nurse at Victoria's Veteran's Hospital at the Memorial Pavilion.

David Stafford collection

This collection is comprised of nine interviews conducted by Dr. David Stafford, retired history professor at the University of Victoria, for his monograph on clandestine operations in WWII.

Copyright policy

The material is to be used solely for the purpose of research or private study. Any use of the copy for a purpose other than research of private study may require the authorization of the copyright owner of the work in question. The user must assume full responsibility for obtaining copyright permission to publish items in whole or in part.

Although the University of Victoria has permission to make the oral histories available to researchers, the copyright belongs to the interviewees. If extensive passages are used for publication, exhibition or presentation permission from the copyright holder is necessary.

Publication credit

The University of Victoria Special Collections will be given a copy of the book, article, exhibition catalogue, or supporting publication in all cases of publication, exhibition, or presentation of the oral history reproductions. In such cases a credit line citation should read as follows:

University of Victoria, Special Collections, Military Oral History Collection,
[Name of Interviewee], [Record ID Number]

Image: Elizabeth Hazlitte interviewing World War One veteran Egbert Browning in 1983

Resource type

Collection

Subject

Genre

Location

Canada, , Canada

Permalink: http://vault.library.uvic.ca/collections/4a7eade6-d0b7-4807-8cd2-6eb9c5a66937

Collection Details

: Items 789
: Last Updated 2025-04-01

Parent Collections (1)

Military History Collection

Works (789)

741. Calvert, Phil: an assessment of the interaction between Canadian diplomats and the military (March 22, 2019)

Title:: Calvert, Phil: an assessment of the interaction between Canadian diplomats and the military (March 22, 2019)
Description:: Interviewee: Calvert, Phil, An interview/narrative of Phil Calvert's experiences with the diplomatic service. Interview took place on March 22, 2019 in Victoria, B.C., ABSTRACT: 0:00—2:55—Biographic details, eduction history, and motivation for joining diplomatic service. 2:57—3:14—Description of language abilities. 3:20—4:47—Chronology of overseas posts and career specialization. 4:48—6:12—Description of how Chinese language ability influenced career. 6:28—9:39—Atlanticism in Canadian foreign policy, and career training. 9:48—11:18 —Language requirement to join diplomatic service. 11:30—12:45—Career specialization and streams. 13:03—16:51—Changing attitudes, and increased interest in Asia throughout career. 17:00—17:18—Description of how the collapse of the Soviet Union affected foreign policy. 17:30—17:59 —Motivation for increased interest in Asia. 18:16—22:02 —Description of Canadian defence policy in Asia. 22:30—23:23—Western interest in China (including US). 23:25—28:14—Description of the how the end of the Cold War changed the thinking of diplomats towards Russia. 28:15—30:16 —Description of how the collapse of USSR affected interaction with China. 30:17—35:46—Reforms in China and Canada’s reaction to 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. 36:57—44:44 —Description of the interaction between diplomats and military personnel. 45:28—47:13—Interaction with other delegations (attachés and diplomats). 47:14—51:10—Cooperation between trade section and defence section in Thailand to sell defence products. 52:12—57:36 —Interaction between military personnel and diplomats (in policy and on operations). 57:37—59:20—Changing attitudes and understanding of the military amongst diplomats. 59:40—1:01:01—Description of the work carried out by attachés in China. 1:01:18—1:02:12 —Addressing lacunas in the literature and recommendation on how the relationship could be improved. 1:01:18—1:07:10—Recommendations on how training and career development could be improved through institutionalization., and Interviewer: McGuire, Stewart H. "Harry"
Subject:: Cold War (1945-1989), Military history, and Personal narratives--Canadian
Contributor:: McGuire, Stewart H. "Harry" and Calvert, Phil
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2019-03-22
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 1 sound recording (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: British Columbia--Victoria
Coordinates:: 48.4359, -123.35155
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recordings (MP3) also available.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: reminiscences, sound recordings, interviews, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: CP_875
Fonds Title:: Military oral history collection
Fonds Identifier:: SC141
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/military-oral-history-collection
Date Digitized:: 2019-03-22
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 128 kbps. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2019. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

742. Collins, David: an assessment of the interaction between Canadian diplomats and the military (March 22, 2019)

Title:: Collins, David: an assessment of the interaction between Canadian diplomats and the military (March 22, 2019)
Description:: An interview/narrative of David Collins' experiences with the diplomatic service. Interview took place on March 22, 2019 in Victoria, B.C., Interviewer: McGuire, Stewart H. "Harry", ABSTRACT: 0:00—1:50—Biographic information, eduction, and military service. 1:54—2:22 —Chronology of career and first assignment. 2:27—2:51—Career specialization and stream. 2:56—7:09—Reserve Naval service and motivation for enlisting. 7:15—9:52—Motivation for joining diplomatic service and language requirements. 10:01—12:15—Lists countries where he was Head of Mission (HOM) and cross-accreditations. 12:16—15:17—Involvement in multilateral organizations (i. e. NATO). 15:36—18:13 —Influence of reserve naval service in civilian career as a diplomat. 18:25—24:07 —Assessment of the relationship between diplomats and the military. 24:20—25:22 —Description of hiring support staff at embassies. 25:42—33:52 —Specific instances in his career where he believes diplomats and military worked well (and not so well). 34:40—38:51—Observations of Canadian Forces Attachés. 39:18—42:25—Description of how the end of the Cold War has affected the relationship. 42:52—46:17—Awareness of military amongst diplomats. 46:24—48:18—Description of how changes of government affected the relationship. 48:35—51:35—Royal Canadian Navy designation and service identity overseas. 51:45—1:01:38—Criticism and recommendations for how the relationship could be improved. 1:01:52—1:07:24—Observation of changing recruitment trends in the public service., and Interviewee: Collins, David
Subject:: Naval history, Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, Military history, and Cold War (1945-1989)
Contributor:: McGuire, Stewart H. "Harry" and Collins, David
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2019-03-22
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 1 sound recording (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: British Columbia--Victoria
Coordinates:: 48.4359, -123.35155
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recordings (MP3) also available.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: reminiscences, sound recordings, oral histories (literary genre), and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: CD_873
Fonds Title:: Military oral history collection
Fonds Identifier:: SC141
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/military-oral-history-collection
Date Digitized:: 2019-03-22
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 128 kbps. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2019. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

743. Gottfried, David: my army experience in Afghanistan (March 27, 2019)

Title:: Gottfried, David: my army experience in Afghanistan (March 27, 2019)
Description:: Interviewee: Gottfried, David, An interview/narrative of David Gottfried's experiences serving in Afghanistan. Interview took place on March 27, 2019 in Victoria, B.C., Interviewer: Forsythe, Geordy, Rank: Major. , and ABSTRACT: This interview gives insight into Major Gottfried’s use of Leopard tanks in Afghanistan. Major Gottfried went over the strengths the Leopards brought to the battlefield and the struggles they faced battling an insurgent enemy. He also looked the future of the Canadian Army and the need for a highly adaptable and varied fighting force that includes many different armoured vehicles. He reflected on his duties in Afghanistan and operations he conducted, as well as the relationship with the Afghan National Army and the United States. 0:00-1:27 Growing up moving around and joining the Canadian Forces. 1:27-2:46 Joining the RCAC, memories of training, receiving RCD badge. 2:46-3:42 First experiences with Leopard Tanks, 25mm turret and use of Coyote. 3:42-4:31 Opinion of fellow soldiers on the LAVIII and Leopards, benefits of LAV III. 4:32-7:37 on the LAV and Leopard, Training to cooperate with other assets and sections within the Canadian Forces, Working with artillery. 7:38-10:37 Memory of September 11th 2001, surreal feeling, training for peacekeeping before deployment, going to Bosnia before. Changes to teaching and training after casualties in Kandahar. 10:37-12:30 Concerns when being deployed, IEDs, trusting your training, learning about IEDs before deployment to save lives in theater. 12:30-14:47 Rank of Captain when deployed to Afghanistan, duties of his rank in Afghanistan, duties within the base, taking care of mental health while working. 14:48-16:36 Involvement in Operations and seeing combat. Thirteen hours of Troops in Contact. 16:37-22:15 Transportation of Leopard into theatre, description of the journey to, and first days in Afghanistan, Orientation and indoctrination to theatre. Training on LAVs and Leopards in Afghanistan. 22:16-24:15 Hurry up and wait part of conflict. 90% boredom 10% sheer terror. Quick reaction force deployment. 24:16-26:55 Non-traditional use of leopards, visual deterrent of the Leopards, description of other operations, traditional tactics used before his deployment. 26:56-27:40 Description of roller attachment to tank. 27:41-30:00 Advantages of using Leopards over LAVs. Manoeuverability of Leopards. 30:02-32:00 Ability of Taliban to emplace IEDs quickly. Traditional tactics used for this. Use of engineers in concert with Leopard Teams. Badger vehicle importance. Clearing Breaches 32:02- 33:32 Mechanical issues and maintenance with Leopards. Adapting to these issues. 33:33-37:21 Tactical adaptations made to their troop groupings in Afghanistan. Difficulties in using tanks to fight an insurgent enemy. Recoilless Rifle direct fire threat. 37:21-39:20 Disappointment in the loss of Leopards and opinion on switch to LAVs. 39:20-40:50 Casualties spark the need for the return to tanks. Impressive speed of procurement and deployment of these tanks. 40:50-42:21 Operation medusa and his opinion that tanks would won this battle. Tanks would have Mitigated the risk that had to be used. 42:23-47:05 Going forward, new technologies, Lessons learned from Afghanistan., continued use of both LAVs and Leopards, transition to the LAV VI, future combatants, expense of tracked vehicles, need for tanks going forward, TAPV. 47:40-49:50 Overview of his job and logistics in Afghanistan. 49:55-52:50 Relationship and fighting with the United States, communication difficulties, Crazy Canadians, American wealth of resources, show of force. 52:53-54:25 Working with the Afghan National Army, difficulties. 54:37-54:56 Closing Remarks.
Subject:: Personal narratives--Canadian, Afghan Wars, Tanks (Military science), and Military history
Contributor:: Gottfried, David and Forsythe, Geordy
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2019-03-27
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 1 sound recording (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: British Columbia--Victoria and Afghanistan
Coordinates:: 48.4359, -123.35155 and 33, 66
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recordings (MP3) also available.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: reminiscences, sound recordings, interviews, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: GD_870
Fonds Title:: Military oral history collection
Fonds Identifier:: SC141
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/military-oral-history-collection
Date Digitized:: 2019-03-27
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 192 kbps. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2019. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

744. Marois, Robert: my army experience in Afghanistan (May 28, 2019)

Title:: Marois, Robert: my army experience in Afghanistan (May 28, 2019)
Description:: Rank: Lieutenant. , Interviewer: Forsythe, Geordy, ABSTRACT: Lieutenant Colonel Robert Marois shares his memories of his two tours in Afghanistan. He remarks on the strengths and weaknesses of both the LAV and Leopard vehicles that were deployed to this conflict. He also discusses the future of the Canadian Army and its ability to be adaptable under difficult conditions. 0:40-1:40 Growing up in and enlistment in the 1st Hussars. 1:40-9:10 Training in Meaford for the Armoured Corps and experiences in military training college in Kingston. 9:25-12:20 Memories of Basic Training in Chilliwack BC. 12:30-16:10 First Experiences and training with the LAV III and Coyote. 16:20-18:55 General Opinions of fellow soldier on LAVs, Changeover in the military and resistance to it. 18:55-24:35 Memories of the events of September 11th and peacekeeping in Bosnia and Macedonia. 24:35-26:30 Arrival back in Canada and his posting up in the North West Territories. 26:35-28:45Posted back to his regiment in Petawawa as a Captain in a Training Regiment then redeployed to the 1 RCR battlegroup due to deploy in August of 2006 to Afghanistan. 28:50-30:00 Being deployed to Afghanistan in August, recounts traumatic times for his wife and him leaving. 30:00-33:45 Description of his first days arriving in Afghanistan and the handover to him and his soldiers from the previous rotation during heavy fighting. 33:45-37:01 The use of LAVs upon his arrival in Afghanistan, tactics and reconnaissance against an insurgent enemy, and adapting to new unconventional warfare tactics. 37:01-39:28 Description of the terrain they encountered and the difficulties of fighting in this terrain with the LAV vehicles and ways the insurgent enemy could attack easily in this terrain. 39:28-40:22 Use of LAV surveillance equipment at night, and equipment the LAV employed to fight. 40:22- 42:58 Fighting alongside ISAF and NATO forces and adapting to work cohesively. 42:59-45:32 Description of his duties and overview of the operations center that he ran in 2010. 45:33-48:40 Canadian operations coming to a close in 2011, another handover, his description of leaving Afghanistan, feelings of a mission unfinished. 48:40-50:48 Describes his most difficult job of bringing families of the deceased over to Afghanistan to give them closure. 50:50-52:15 Interaction and planning of operations with the Afghan National Army and working with the OMLT teams to reinforce the security forces they would be leaving behind. 52:23-55:27 Benefits of Leopard tanks, direct fire capability, visual deterrent of a tank. 55:28-56:50 There will always be a place for tanks on the battlefield, boosting of morale that tanks provided. 57:10-58:40 Benefits of the LAVs over Leopard Tanks in Counter Insurgency warfare. Drawback of the Leopard. 58:40-1:01:47 Difficulties with LAV, impacts of dust, gear that the LAV would carry with it, benefits of using the LAV at night. 1:01:47-1:04:13 Changing of LAV tactics to make a better use of the ability to use dismounted troops. Changes in protection from IED blasts experienced in Afghanistan. 1:04:25-1:06:53 Opinion of the transition from tracked to wheeled fleet and back again from 2003-2006. Both of the vehicles are needed not one or the other. 1:06:53-1:08:51 The future of the Canadian Military and its vehicle components. The Canadian Forces will work with what they are given. 1:08:51-1:11:06 Canada’s global army and its adaptability to future conflicts. Closing remarks., An interview/narrative of Robert Marois' experiences serving in Afghanistan. Interview took place on March 28, 2019 in Victoria, B.C., and Interviewee: Marois, Robert
Subject:: Tanks (Military science), Military history, Afghan Wars, and Personal narratives--Canadian
Contributor:: Forsythe, Geordy and Marois, Robert
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2019-03-28
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 1 sound recording (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: British Columbia--Victoria and Afghanistan
Coordinates:: 33, 66 and 48.4359, -123.35155
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recordings (MP3) also available.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: interviews, oral histories (literary genre), sound recordings, and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: MR_872
Fonds Title:: Military oral history collection
Fonds Identifier:: SC141
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/military-oral-history-collection
Date Digitized:: 2019-03-28
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 192 kbps. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2019. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

745. Lussier, Andrew: my army experience in Afghanistan (April 4, 2019)

Title:: Lussier, Andrew: my army experience in Afghanistan (April 4, 2019)
Description:: ABSTRACT: Colonel Andrew Lussier reflects on his time participating in reconnaissance operations in Afghanistan. His use of the LAV Coyotes and experiences in Afghanistan provide an honest and humbling perspective on this conflict. Andrew participated in multiple operations in Afghanistan and had great care for his soldiers and the missions they undertook while overseas. His adaptation of LAV tactics gave the Canadian Forces a safer way to operate during this COIN warfare and has been adopted as a new tactic by those around him. 0:00-2:25 Growing up in a military family and joining the forces early on, training in Cornwallis as a private then to Gagetown NB for armoured corps training. 2:25-3:40 Following the footsteps of his father into the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. 3:40-6:05 Initial basic training experiences, shock and fear he felt when he first arrived on the train in Cornwallis. Then his feeling of accomplishment and teamwork during his training. 6:06-8:37 Initial training on Lynx and 113 vehicles and initial experience with the Coyote when he was a Squadron Leader at the rank of Major. Joining a Coyote crew commander course. 8:37-10:22 The feeling of confidence with the Coyote and LAV vehicles of the soldiers. Comfortable because they were used to the LAVs and Coyotes when they arrived in Afghanistan. 10:22-11:58 Resistance to change in older soldiers who were used to the older vehicles and technologies they were used to. 11:58-14:16 Training and typical exercises for LAVs and Coyotes. Fighting mounted, Reconnaissance tactics and training. 14:18-18:10 Remembering post September 11th attacks in 2001. Reaction of fellow soldiers at Staff College in Kingston. We are going to war. Training changes to reality. Shift away from peacekeeping. 18:10-20:18 Frustration in training and not being deployed desire to put training and tactics into use. Shift from Kabul to Kandahar. 20:18- 22:30Being deployed and going directly into action. Feeling of being hyper focused to do his job. Stress of leadership in combat operations and dealing with this stress. 22:30-25:26 Impact of losing soldiers in this conflict. Difficulty dealing with the loss of soldiers under his command. “What did I do wrong” mentality, coming to conclusion that people die in war. Load of carrying those he lost on his shoulders every day. 25:30-30:00 Vehicles in Afghanistan being worn out after years of combat use. Battling the dust and sand that impacted these vehicles. Maintenance of equipment being important. 30:00-35:05 First day travelling to and landing in Afghanistan. Dealing with the heat, importance of hydration and self-care on the battlefield. 35:05-37:43 First missions and experiences outside the wire in Afghanistan. 37:43-40:00 Boredom and down time contrasted with shock and stress of combat. Their squadron being actively deployed living and operating outside the wire to complete their reconnaissance missions effectively. 187 days outside the wire. 40:30-41:57 Leave in Canada. Stress experienced when leaving his soldiers in theater. 41:57-47:07 Technologies the Coyote and LAVs were equipped with. Strengths of LAVs. Reconnaissance Equipment and Tactics. 47:07-49:45 Struggles during Operation Medusa. His feelings about lack of reconnaissance done before this operation. 49:45-53:21 Struggles during Operations Medusa. Development of Techniques, Tactics and Procedures from incidents during this operation. 53:21-59:16 Return of the Leopard tanks to the battlefield. Positive factors of having a tank on the battlefield. Pros and Cons of Both LAVs and Tanks. RPG and IED threats. 59:20-1:08:00 Changes of tactics to adapt to COIN warfare. Layering of operations. Restructuring of the two-vehicle system. Ease of making changes at a tactical level. 1:08:00-1:12:00 Future of the Canadian Forces and continued use of LAVs and benefits of Leopard tanks being used in concert. 1:12:00- 1:12:36 The team effort of winning battles. 1:12:40-1:14:00 Opinion on the loss of the Leopards tanks. Need for tanks moving forward. 1:14:00-1:16:05 Each vehicle complimenting the other. 1:16:10-1:23:02 Closing remarks. Positive and Negative impacts of Afghanistan and the Canadian Forces on his life. Pride in the job his soldiers completed in Afghanistan., Interviewee: Lussier, Andrew, Rank: Colonel. , An interview/narrative of Andrew Lussier's experiences serving in Afghanistan. Interview took place on April 4, 2019., and Interviewer: Forsythe, Geordy
Subject:: Military history, Personal narratives--Canadian, Afghan Wars, and Tanks (Military science)
Contributor:: Lussier, Andrew and Forsythe, Geordy
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2019-04-04
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Sound
Extent:: 1 sound recording (MP3)
Geographic Coverage:: Afghanistan
Coordinates:: 33, 66
Additional Physical Characteristics:: Original sound recordings (MP3) also available.
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: reminiscences, sound recordings, interviews, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: LA_871
Fonds Title:: Military oral history collection
Fonds Identifier:: SC141
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/military-oral-history-collection
Date Digitized:: 2019-04-04
Technical Note:: Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 192 kbps. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2019. Migration metadata by KD and MT.

746. Interview with Captain Thomas Watson (February 18, 2022)

Title:: Interview with Captain Thomas Watson (February 18, 2022)
Description:: Interviewer: Matthew Kerr Interviewee: Captain Watson, Thomas C., 1987- An interview/narrative of Thomas Watson's experiences serving with the Canadian Armed Forces in Ukraine as a member of Operation UNIFIER. Interview took place on February 18, 2022 over a video call. ABSTRACT: The interview began with Captain Watson providing background on his pre-military life and early career in the military, with training in the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps at CFB Gagetown and his history with the Royal Canadian Dragoon’s. Next, Captain Watson talked about his experience training for deployment to Ukraine, how his previous knowledge assisted him while on deployment, and his initial thoughts on the operation in Ukraine going into deployment. Captain Watson went on to share his experience as the Battle Captain of the Tank Training Group in Starychi, Ukraine, as well as his later employment in Kyiv as a Liaison Officer to the Ukrainian Land Force Head Quarters, the General Staff Headquarters, and Ukrainian Surveillance Unit A2724. Captain Watson discuses his involvement in helping create a Doctrine Note for Unit A2724 and his involvement in the signing of the Technical Agreement between the Canadian Armed Forces and the National Guard of Ukraine. Captain Watson then reflects on his time serving in Ukraine and the lasting impact of Operation Unifier. He then provides his thoughts on the current Russian aggression and fear of invasion in Ukraine (as of Feb. 18, 2022) and the continued Canadian support. Lastly, Captain Watson shows his deep sense of pride both in his service and for the Ukrainian people who he hopes to serve again soon. 0:00:00 – 0:00:54 – Introduction. 0:00:54 – 0:02:52 – Growing up, postsecondary, and joining the Canadian Forces. 0:02:52 – 0:08:38 – Training in the Armoured Corps, early military career, and history with the Royal Canadian Dragoon’s. 0:08:38 – 0:14:01 – Deployment to Ukraine and initial experiences. 0:14:01 – 0:16:00 – Overview of military roles while in Ukraine. 0:16:00 – 0:26:15 – Time as Battle Captain of the Tank Training Group. 0:26:15 – 0:28:48 – Conflict in Eastern Ukraine and fraternization. 0:28:48 – 0:32:30 – Liaison Officer to the Land Force Headquarters and General Staff Headquarters in Kyiv. 0:32:30 – 0:36:11 – Liaison Officer to Surveillance Unit A2724 and helping them create a Doctrine Note. 0:36:11 – 0:39:38 – Involvement in the Technical Agreement between the Canadian Armed Forces and the National Guard of Ukrainian. 0:39:38 – 0:44:01 – Comparing time as Battle Captain to time as Liaison Officer. 0:44:01 – 0:46:47 – Fondest memories of serving in Ukraine and attending Ukrainian military exhibition. 0:46:47 – 0:49:07 – Understanding the value of Operation UNIFIER and how expectations of military service changed. 0:49:07 – 0:52:23 – How serving in Ukraine impacted Captain Watson both in his career and as a person. 0:52:23 – 0:53:31 – Receiving a medal from the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and recognizing the value of Captain Watson’s work. 0:53:31 – 0:55:52 – The lasting impact of Operation UNIFIER and the future of Ukraine. 0:55:52 – 0:58:07 – The history between Ukraine and Russia and understanding current Russian aggression (as of Feb. 18, 2022). 0:58:07 – 0:58:55 – Captain Watson’s thoughts on the Canadian support to Ukraine. 0:58:55 – 1:00:43 – Captain Watson on wanting to return to Ukraine with his family and hopefully to serve again. 1:00:43 – 1:01:40 – Conclusion.
Keyword:: Russian Aggression, 2022, Starychi, Ukraine, Peace Support Training Center, Ukrainian Morale, Ukraine Land Force Headquarters, Tank Training Company, Operation UNIFIER, Azov Battalion, Optimized Battlegroup Experiment, Ukrainian Nationalism, Donbas Conflict, Operation UNIFIER, Ministry of Defense Medal, Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Ukrainian Military Doctrine, Ukrainian Military Equipment, Collaboration, NATO Allies, 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment, Reconnaissance Squadron, Ukraine General Staff Headquarters, Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, Ukrainian Surveillance Unit A2724, Russian Invasion of Ukraine, 2014, Canadian Support to Ukraine, 2022, The Royal Canadian Dragoon’s, Doctrine Note, Surveillance Unit A2724, National Guard of Ukraine, Technical Agreement, and Ukraine JFO
Subject:: Tanks (Military science), Personal narratives--Canadian, Soldiers, Civil-military relations, Personal narratives, Canada. Canadian Armed Forces, Military history, Soldiers--Training of, and Watson, Thomas C., 1987-
Contributor:: Kerr, Matthew and Watson, Thomas C., 1987-
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2022-02-18
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/MovingImage
Identifier:: Interview #SC141_WYC_893
Extent:: 01:00:43
Alternative Title:: Unified: Canadian Support to Ukraine Since 1991
Geographic Coverage:: Ukraine
Coordinates:: 49, 32
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: reminiscences, oral histories (literary genre), interviews, and video recordings (physical artifacts)
Archival Item Identifier:: Accession Number: 2022-020; Series: III; Item: 893
Fonds Title:: Military Oral History collection
Fonds Identifier:: SC141
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/military-oral-history-collection
Date Digitized:: 2022-02-18
Technical Note:: Interview done through an online video call, .mov, 1.96 GB. Metadata by KD.

747. Interview with Clive Milner (February 22, 2022)

Title:: Interview with Clive Milner (February 22, 2022)
Description:: Interviewer: James Coe Interviewee: Clive Milner An interview/narrative of Clive Milner's experiences serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. Interview took place on February 22, 2022 over a video call. ABSTRACT: Clive Milner begins by discussing his childhood and how he joined the Canadian Armed Forces. He discusses his first impressions of both the Island of Cyprus itself and its inhabitants. Similarities and differences between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots are highlighted by Milner. Milner explains his military duties and gives a background to conflicts in Cyprus as well as the possibility of violence. When stationed in Cyprus peacekeepers stay occupied and maintain morale through various physical activities and a sense of camaraderie that emerges. During Milner’s time in Cyprus, he recalls various memorable events that occurred such as his experience raising the new Canadian flag and celebrating Christmas in Cyprus. Milner concludes the interview by reflecting on Cyprus and his military career more broadly. 0:43 - 3:15 - Childhood and Coming to Canada. 3:15 - 4:18 - Joining the Armed Forces. 4:18 - 9:04 - Deploying to Cyprus and First Impressions. 9:04 - 11:40 - Interactions with Greek and Turkish Cypriots, similarities and differences. 11:40 - 16:40 - Military duties and armaments. 16:40 - 19:56 - Conflict and causes: EOKA hiding weapons, livestock and land disputes. 19:56 - 26:00 - Maintaining Morale: developing a camaraderie and contacting home. 26:00 - 31:57 - Memories of Cyprus: the death of Winston Churchill, raising Canada’s new flag, entertainment, Christmas and “Moose Milk.” 31:57 - 34:51 - Thoughts when leaving Cyprus. 34:51 - 38:04 - Lessons learnt from Cyprus and their utility. 38:04 - 40:30 - Concluding a military career and decorations obtained. 40:30 - 42:50 - Final comments, unfair criticism of Canadian peacekeepers in Cyprus.
Keyword:: The Canadian Forces Decoration, Meritorious Service Cross, Blueberry Camp, Order of Military Merit, EOKA, Enosis, Canada’s new flag, Squadron Liaison Officer, The green line/buffer zone, Hilarion Castle, Clive Milner, Force Commander, Cypriot National Guard, UNFICYP 1964, Nicosia, Cyprus, Turks, Cypriots, Greek, Scout cars, Kyrenia, and General Georgios Grivas
Subject:: Personal narratives, Peacekeeping forces, Personal narratives--Canadian, United Nations. Peace-Keeping Force in Cyprus, Soldiers, E.O.K.A. (Cyprus), Peacekeeping forces, Canadian, Military morale, Milner, Clive, Military history, Cypriots, and Cyprus Crisis (Cyprus : 1963)
Contributor:: Milner, Clive and Coe, James
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2022-02-22
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/MovingImage
Identifier:: Interview #SC141_MC_892
Extent:: 00:43:51
Alternative Title:: Canadian Peacekeeping: The Cyprus Conflict
Geographic Coverage:: Cyprus
Coordinates:: 35, 33
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: video recordings (physical artifacts), reminiscences, oral histories (literary genre), and interviews
Archival Item Identifier:: Accession Number: 2022-020; Series: II; Item: 892
Fonds Title:: Military Oral History collection
Fonds Identifier:: SC141
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/military-oral-history-collection
Date Digitized:: 2022-02-22
Technical Note:: Interview done through a Zoom video call, MP4, 1,317,409 KB. Metadata by KD.

748. Interview with Robert Black (February 23, 2022)

Title:: Interview with Robert Black (February 23, 2022)
Description:: Interviewer: James Cole Interviewee: Robert Black An interview/narrative of Robert Black's experiences serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. Interview took place on February 23, 2022 over a video call. ABSTRACT: Robert Black begins the interview by discussing his childhood and how he joined the Canadian Armed Forces. His time in Cyprus is recounted through various responsibilities he had as well as interactions with Greek and Turkish Cypriots. The Women’s Walk Home and the process of crowd control is examined. Instances of heightened tensions caused by “episodes of Greek stupidity” are explained. Black discusses the prevalence of alcohol throughout his time in Cyprus and its social role. Black recalls various stories such as his encounter with wild dogs or a reconnaissance mission during a storm. Black highlights skills developed during his time in Cyprus such as how to negotiate. The interview concludes with the remark that peacekeeping only works if both sides want peace and reflections on his military career. 0:37 - 1:39 - Childhood and joining the Canadian Armed Forces. 1:39 - 6:47 - Serving in Cyprus: responsibilities and first impressions. 6:47 - 8:00 - Interactions with civilian Cypriots. 8:00 - 9:30 - Comparing Greek and Turkish militaries. 9:30 - 13:43 - The Women’s Walk Home 13:43 - 15:15 - “Episodes of Greek stupidity”: how tensions were heightened. 15:18 - 16:58 - Canadian armaments: weaponry and vehicles. 16:58 - 17:46 - Closest instance of violence: wild dogs. 17:48 - 23:37 - Maintaining morale: physical activity and social drinking. 23:47 - 24:16 - Context: Cold War, pre-Somalia, pre-Bosnia, pre-Afghanistan. 24:16 - 24:58 - Feelings when leaving Cyprus. 24:58 - 31:47 - Helicopter reconnaissance during a storm and language barriers. 31:47 - 33:08 - Developing negotiating skills. 33:10 - 34:32 - The future of peacekeeping and the only way it works. 34:32 - 36:58 - Concluding a military career.
Keyword:: Turks, Alcohol, Helicopter, Nicosia, UNFICYP, The Women’s Walk Home, Reconnaissance, Cypriots, the buffer zone, The Royal Canadian Dragoons, Order of Military Merit, peacekeeping, Cyprus, Robert Black, United Nations, and Greek
Subject:: Peacekeeping forces, Canadian, Personal narratives--Canadian, Military history, Cypriots, Peacekeeping forces, Personal narratives, Soldiers--Alcohol use, Soldiers, Crowd control, Canada. Canadian Armed Forces, United Nations. Peace-Keeping Force in Cyprus, and Black, Robert
Contributor:: Coe, James and Black, Robert
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2022-02-23
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/MovingImage
Identifier:: Interview #SC141_BR_890
Extent:: 00:37:39
Alternative Title:: Canadian Peacekeeping: The Cyprus Conflict
Geographic Coverage:: Cyprus
Coordinates:: 35, 33
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: oral histories (literary genre), interviews, video recordings (physical artifacts), and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: Accession Number: 2022-020; Series: II; Item: 890
Fonds Title:: Military Oral History collection
Fonds Identifier:: SC141
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/military-oral-history-collection
Date Digitized:: 2022-02-23
Technical Note:: Interview done through a Zoom video call, MP4, 493,269 KB. Metadata by KD.

749. Interview with Chief Petty Officer Second Class (Ret'd) Arnold Yates (February 24, 2022)

Title:: Interview with Chief Petty Officer Second Class (Ret'd) Arnold Yates (February 24, 2022)
Description:: Interviewer: Samantha Olson Interviewee: Interview with Chief Petty Officer Second Class (Ret'd) Arnold Yates An interview/narrative of Arnold Yates' experiences serving in the Royal Canadian Navy. Interview took place on February 24, 2022 over a video call. ABSTRACT: 0:00 – 8:00 – Childhood, schooling, joining the RCN, basic training, path from OS to CPO. 8:00 – 12:30 – Teaching seamanship at Royal Roads, duties of a CPO, the differences between sea duty and shore duty. 12:30 – 18:25 – Duties as a drill instructor, duties of a boatswain, and the training of junior officers. 18:25 – 26:46 – Relationship with officers, the advisory roles of the boatswain, CPO as an intermediary between NCM Corps and Officer Corps. 26:46 – 33:48 – CPO’s role monitoring the morale of sailors, culture at sea, difficulties for sailors. 33:48 – 45:34 – Personal recollections, sailing from Victoria to Hawaii, advancing through the ranks, time on the HMCS Oriole, participation in the Captain Cook Bicentennial. 45:34 – Leaving the RCN, retirement, family, and working with Victoria Harbour ferries.
Keyword:: Captain Cook Bicentennial, Royal Roads, Boatswain, HMCS Oriole, Sail training, Sea cadets, Training, Ordinary Seaman, NCM Corps, HMCS Cornwallis, Morale and welfare, Chief Petty Officer, Drill instructor, Seamanship, Sea culture, and Chief Petty Officer Second Class
Subject:: Canada. Royal Canadian Navy, Yates, Arnold, 1945-, Military morale, Armed Forces--Petty officers, Personal narratives--Canadian, Armed Forces--Officers, Military history, Armed Forces--Officers--Training of, Royal Roads University, and Personal narratives
Contributor:: Olson, Samantha and Yates, Arnold, 1945-
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2022-02-24
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/MovingImage
Identifier:: Interview #SC141_YA_899
Extent:: 00:48:53
Alternative Title:: The Roles, Duties, and Recollections of Chief Petty Officers in the RCN
Geographic Coverage:: British Columbia--Victoria
Coordinates:: 48.4359, -123.35155
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: interviews, video recordings (physical artifacts), reminiscences, and oral histories (literary genre)
Archival Item Identifier:: Accession Number: 2022-020; Series: V; Item: 899
Fonds Title:: Military Oral History collection
Fonds Identifier:: SC141
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/military-oral-history-collection
Date Digitized:: 2022-02-24
Technical Note:: Interview done through an online video call, MP4, 699.4 MB. Metadata by KD.

750. Interview with Jim Ferron (February 24, 2022)

Title:: Interview with Jim Ferron (February 24, 2022)
Description:: Interviewer: James Coe Interviewee: Jim Ferron An interview/narrative of Jim Ferron's experiences serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. Interview took place on February 24, 2022 over a video call. ABSTRACT: Jim Ferron begins the interview describing his upbringing in Windsor Ontario and how he joined the Canadian Armed Forces. Ferron recalls his first impressions of the Cyprus conflict. The differences between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots in their attitudes towards Canadian peacekeepers is explored. The Women’s Walk Home demonstration is recalled. Ferron discusses his military duties and an instance in which he had to prepare for potential combat. How he and his fellow peacekeepers were able to maintain morale is discussed including things such as fitness, food, leadership, and camaraderie. Ferron explains his feelings when leaving Cyprus and how he learnt skills which were applied to other aspects of life. The interview is concluded by a reflection on his service and big picture takeaways regarding peacekeeping operations. 0:51 - 1:16 - Career summarized. 1:16 - 5:26 - Growing up: Windsor, education, and joining Canadian Armed Forces. 5:26 - 7:06 - Operations Officer of Royal Canadian Dragoons and responsibilities. 7:06 - 11:48 - First impressions of Cyprus. 11:48 - 16:05 - Interacting with Greek and Turkish Cypriot civilians. 14:20 - 16:05 - The Women’s Walk Home, March 1989. 16:05 - 17:50 - Attitudes of Greek and Turkish Cypriots civilians towards peacekeepers. 17:50 - 21:10 - Differences between Greek and Turkish soldiers towards peacekeepers. 21:10 - 25:07 - Military duties in Cyprus: situational awareness. 25:07 - 27:18 - Armaments used in Cyprus. 27:18 - 28:45 - Preparing for combat. 28:45 - 34:31 - Maintaining Morale: Fitness, food, leadership, and camaraderie. 34:31 - 36:02 - The Women’s Walk Home demonstration 36:02 - 37:44 - Training for peacekeeping in Cyprus. 37:44 - 39:34 - Feelings when leaving Cyprus. 39:34 - 42:18 - Skills gained from Cyprus. 42:18 - 44:34 - Big picture takeaways from peacekeeping in Cyprus. 44:34 - 46:26 - Ending a career in the military. 46:26 - 48:42 - The value of history.
Keyword:: the Windsor Regiment, peacekeeping, The Women’s Walk Home, Beaver Lodge, Cypriots, John Gibson, Mike Appleton, Greek, Operations Officer, Cyprus, the buffer zone, James Ferron, Stavros Hill, The Royal Canadian Dragoons, and Turkish
Subject:: Canada. Canadian Armed Forces, Military history, Military morale, Personal narratives, Cypriots, Personal narratives--Canadian, Peacekeeping forces, Ferron, Jim, Civil-military relations, and Peacekeeping forces, Canadian
Contributor:: Ferron, Jim and Coe, James
Language:: eng
Date Created:: 2022-02-24
Rights Statement:: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
License:: This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
Resource Type:: http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/MovingImage
Identifier:: Interview #SC141_FJ_891
Extent:: 00:49:32
Geographic Coverage:: Ontario--Windsor and Cyprus
Coordinates:: 42.30008, -83.01654 and 35, 33
Physical Repository:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Collection:: Canadian Military Oral History Collection
Provider:: University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
Genre:: oral histories (literary genre), interviews, video recordings (physical artifacts), and reminiscences
Archival Item Identifier:: Accession Number: 2022-020; Series: II; Item: 981
Fonds Title:: Military Oral History collection
Fonds Identifier:: SC141
Is_referenced_by:: Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/military-oral-history-collection
Date Digitized:: 2022-02-24
Technical Note:: Interview done through a Zoom video call, MP4, 449,480 KB. Metadata by KD.